How to Plan the Best Trip to Morocco: Routes, Itineraries & Tips (2027)
Planning a trip to Morocco is exciting, and a little overwhelming. The country is bigger than most people expect, the Sahara is a long drive from almost everywhere, and the right route depends on where you land and how many days you have. This guide walks you through the decisions that matter, with sample itineraries you can copy or adapt.
Step 1: Choose Your Arrival City
| Arrive in | Best for | Typical route |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | Shorter trips, Sahara, Atlas | Loop to Merzouga and back, or end in Fes |
| Casablanca | Long-haul flights (US, Canada) | Rabat → Chefchaouen → Fes → Sahara → Marrakech |
| Fes | Culture and the quickest Sahara access | Fes → Merzouga → Dades → Marrakech |
| Tangier | Ferry from Spain, northern Morocco | Chefchaouen → Fes → Sahara → Marrakech |
Flying into one city and out of another (for example Casablanca in, Marrakech out) saves you a long return drive.
Step 2: Decide How Many Days
- 3–5 days: one city plus a Sahara trip. Marrakech + Merzouga, or Fes + Merzouga.
- 7 days: the classic: Marrakech, Atlas, Sahara and Fes.
- 10 days: add Chefchaouen and Rabat or Casablanca.
- 14+ days: add Essaouira, Tangier or slower days in the desert and mountains.
Sample Itineraries
7 Days: Marrakech, Sahara and Fes
- Arrive in Marrakech.
- Explore Marrakech: medina, souks, Majorelle Garden.
- Cross the High Atlas via Aït Ben Haddou to the Dades Valley.
- Todra Gorge, then Merzouga: camel ride and night in a desert camp.
- Sunrise over the dunes, drive north through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas to Fes.
- Guided tour of the Fes medina.
- Departure from Fes.
Booked as a private tour: 7 days Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara (same route in reverse).
10 Days: Casablanca to Marrakech via the North and the Sahara
Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen (1 night) → Fes (2 nights) → Merzouga desert camp → Dades Valley → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech (2 nights). See: 10 days Casablanca, Chefchaouen and Merzouga.
14–15 Days: The Complete Loop
The 10-day route plus Tangier or Essaouira and extra nights where you want them. See: 15 days from Casablanca, 15 days from Marrakech or 15 days round trip from Tangier.
Browse every route on our Morocco tours page.
Step 3: Pick the Right Season
- Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov): the best time for any route including the Sahara.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): very hot inland and in the desert; better for the coast and the north.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): sunny days, cold nights, possible snow on Atlas passes.
More detail in our Morocco climate and weather guide.
Step 4: Decide How to Get Around
- Train (ONCF): fast and comfortable between Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech, including the Al Boraq high-speed line. It doesn’t reach the Sahara or the Atlas.
- Bus (CTM, Supratours): cheap and reliable between towns, but slow for multi-stop routes.
- Rental car: possible, but mountain roads, city traffic and medina parking are tiring.
- Private driver: the easiest way to combine the desert, mountains and cities, with stops wherever you want.
Essential Travel Tips
- Carry cash (dirhams) for souks, taxis and small cafés; cards work in most hotels.
- Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
- Bargain politely in the souks; it’s expected and part of the fun.
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
- Hire a licensed guide for the Fes and Marrakech medinas to avoid getting lost (and hassled).
- Pack layers: desert and mountain nights are cold even after hot days.
- Check your own country’s entry rules; many nationalities don’t need a visa for short stays.
Where to Go
Not sure which places to include? Read our guide to the best places to visit in Morocco, and our guides to Casablanca, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Morocco?
Seven days is the minimum to see Marrakech, the Sahara and Fes without rushing. Ten to fourteen days lets you add the north and the coast.
Is it better to start in Marrakech or Fes?
Either works. Fes is a little closer to Merzouga; Marrakech has more international flights. Many travelers fly into one and out of the other.
Can I visit the Sahara as a day trip?
No. Merzouga is 8–9 hours from Marrakech by road. Plan at least 3 days, or 2 days to Zagora.
Let Us Plan It for You
Send us your dates, arrival city and interests, and we’ll design a private itinerary with driver, hotels and desert camp. Contact us for a free quote.